Wildlife
Hedgehogs are the only British mammal with spines. When threatened they will roll into a tight ball, with the spines providing sharp protection from predators. Young hedgehogs are born with soft spines under the skin to protect mum, with a second set of spines emerging within days. One peculiarity to all hedgehogs is the way they cover their spines in foamy saliva, the reason why they do this remains a mystery although it has been suggested it might be a sexual attractant, or be used to reduce parasites, or as additional protection. Hedgehogs aren't fussy when it comes to food: worms, slugs, frogs and even bird eggs can be taken during a two kilometre nightly forage, a resistance to adder venom can also put this snake on the menu.
Did you know?
The name for a baby hedgehog is a hoglet.
Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus
Rank: Species
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A liking for licking
In hedgehogs, a taste for noxious substances leads to strange behaviour.
In hedgehogs, a taste for noxious substances leads to strange behaviour.
Helping hogs!
Making tiny adjustments in your garden could be a massive help to hedgehogs.
Making tiny adjustments in your garden could be a massive help to hedgehogs.
City hogs
Hedgehogs need at least 12 gardens to themselves before they deign to move in.
Hedgehogs need at least 12 gardens to themselves before they deign to move in.
Hedgehog success
Hedgehogs have guaranteed survival by adapting to new habitats.
Hedgehogs have guaranteed survival by adapting to new habitats.
A hedgehog's history of Britain
Conflict and love through the ages, between humans and hedgehogs.
Conflict and love through the ages, between humans and hedgehogs.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Hedgehog can be found in a number of locations including: Europe, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Hedgehog distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Population trend: Stable
Year assessed: 2008
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species found in northern and western Europe. It is a common and well-known species, and is a favourite in European gardens, both for its unique, cute appearance and its insectivorous habits.
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Farmland
Hedgerows
Mediterranean forest
Parkland
Taiga
Broadleaf forest
Coniferous forest
Tundra
Urban
Predation defence
Hierarchical
Acoustic communication
Hibernation
Maternal care
Nocturnal
Torpor
Viviparous
Burrower
Active at birth